Megaplex - Collector's Edition

MEGAPLEX (93)
Collector's Edition

Megaplex (93) was released in Japan in December, 2002 through the e-Hobby online shop and sold for Ľ6,000. I purchased this Collector's Edition from Maybang's Collectibles in January, 2003. Megaplex is a Megatron clone but is basically the same figure released back in March, 2001 and identified as "16-Special" which includes the Laser & Blade. This figure has some color changes and added accessory which you'll see and read about in this review. I will be recycling much of the content from previous reviews of Megatron since it's basically the same figure.

Megatron's box is fairly large measuring approximately 14.25"Lx2.25"Wx9.25"D with a cut-out opening. The plastic container is similar to Megatron's but includes a section for the Energy Mace.

Megaplex Character Card
**Select the character card for a larger view**

The following character card translations were provided by Doug Dlin (found on Deja.com):

Destron / Clone Warrior

Megaplex

Function

Warrior/Clone

Transformation

Walther P-38 (Pistol)

Background

One of the doppelgangers secretly constructed to fool enemies and protect Megatron from traitors in his own ranks. Has acted in his leader's place in numerous battles.

Abilities

Endowed with the same strength as Megatron, but his would-be formidable abilities are restricted by a failsafe device. Prefers close combat with his electron sword and energy mace, and fires Freeze Shells loaded with liquid helium in his gun mode.

STR	INT	SPD	END	RNK	CRG	FRP	SKL	TOT
5	5	4	7	6	8	7	6	48

WEAPONS & ACCESSORIES

The following items were included in this Collector's Edition:

1. Megaplex (Gun Mode)
2. Silencer (2-Parts)
3. Anklestock (3-Parts)
4. Scope
5. Blade
6. Laser
7. Bullets (x20)
8. Energy Mace
9. Sticker Sheet
10. Instruction Sheet
11. Character Card

Megaplex's bullets are Blue versus Red which was included in Megatron's release. The additional weaponry is the same with the addition of an Energy Mace. This weapon is translucent Yellow and can connect to either of Megaplex's fist. The Blade can connect to either fist but the Laser was created to connect to his right fist since there is only one peg on the right-side.

GUN MODE

Megaplex is a P-38 Walther pistol in Gun Mode with a Grey & Black color scheme and is 7" in length. Megaplex is comprised of both plastic and die-cast metal which gives him some added weight. Grey plastic has replaced all of the chrome-painted parts of previous Megatron releases. His Decepticon (Destron) rub-sign is located on the right-side just below the scope's rail as shown in the photo on the right.

There are several different modes that Megaplex transforms into, but instead of adding more photos, I'll just provide links to existing photos (previous releases):

ROBOT MODE

To transform Megaplex into robot mode, begin with extending the hand grips downward and rotating each side (Megaplex's legs) forward. The magazine becomes his feet and need to be pushed out. Next step is to separate the barrel assembly (barrel and slide) in two. The slide (piece which has the scope's rail) is rotated downward and the top of the hand grip (Megaplex's head) is pulled downward. Continue working with the slide by separating it in half. You should see Megaplex's fists tucked away. Now rotate the barrel and front-half of the slide clockwise 90°. The front-half of the slide should be pushed upward which separates from the barrel. You should see the pre-applied sticker which is part of Megaplex's torso. The barrel needs to be pushed downward, rotated 90° clockwise, then lifted upward once again so that the barrel is facing forward. The barrel should look like it's tucked under Megaplex's right armpit. Next, rotate Megaplex's arms and head forward so that his head rests on the slide or shoulders. Extend his arms and fists and you're done!

There was one sticker that was pre-applied to Megaplex which was located just under his chest in Robot mode. This is a good thing because it is kind of hidden and would have been difficult applying it correctly. I mentioned earlier that there were some color changes and what is really noticeable in Robot Mode are the Blue parts on his inner legs and arms which has normally been Red with previous Megatron releases. When I transformed Megaplex into Robot Mode, I noticed that he had some issues keeping his legs apart. For some reason they wanted to collapse together which really didn't support his weight very well. One slight bump of the table and he would have toppled over.

Articulation is very limited and transformation has always been a little difficult but the color change and added parts make Megaplex a desirable figure...even if he is a Megatron clone!